Mrs. Achenbach, whose maiden name was Maldie M. Kincannan, was one of the earliest pioneers of Bemidji, having bought the first lot on the platted townsite. She built the third house in the town upon the lot later occupied by the Achenbach building on Third Street. Mrs. Achenbach was born on one of the islands near Cape Breton, Nova Scotia on Oct 19, 1865 and came to Wisconsin with her parents when only a few months old. She attended public school at Eagle Corners, Richland County, and then attended the high school at Muscoda. She began teaching school at the age of seventeen and graduated from the high school at Boscabell, Grant County, Wisconsin. From there she moved with her parents to North Dakota where she taught school for three years, after which she came to Minnesota and settled at Long Prairie. She taught school in Todd and Wadena counties for five years and was married to Edward Achenbach at West Superior, Wis. on April 13, 1893.
Mr. and Mrs. Achenbach came to Bemidji in May 1896 when there were only a few people living on the west side of the river and before the townsite was platted. They bought the first lot on the platted townsite and Mrs. Achenbach continued teaching school, having been engaged in that occupation for the first five years of her residence here.
Edward Achenbach was born in Michigan and obtained his education there. While still a mere boy he became a telegraph operator on a Pennsylvania railroad, which position he held for twelve years. After becoming afflicted with telegrapher’s cramp, he became interested in a drug store in Iowa. He remained in this business another twelve years and at the end of this time he became traveling salesman for a big furniture house. In this capacity he served three of the largest furniture houses in the country and covered the United States from one end to the other.
After he and his wife Maldie came to Bemidji, he worked energetically to advance the town’s interests. He became the county’s first coroner. At the annual school meeting for the year ending July 31, 1897, he was elected to serve until July 31, 1900. He ran as the Republican candidate for the office of county coroner on Sept 16, 1902. He also held the position of street commissioner. He was appointed judge in March of 1902. As a judge he was just and impartial. Those who came to him for justice knew full well that they would receive it. His kind patience, good humor and ready wit won the lasting friendship of every chance acquaintance. In 1903, he built a fine residence in Bemidji at the corner of Sixth street and Minnesota avenue. Mr. Achenbach was a member of the Mason Lodge, Odd Fellows, Workmen and Foresters.
He became ill very suddenly in August 1903. Even on the operating table he could not refrain from passing a joke upon his condition. The trained nurse in attendance at the time, a woman of great experience in such matters, feelingly declared that he was the bravest, noblest man she had ever met. He died Aug 22, 1903. His wife Maldie died in 1904. Both are buried in Greenwood Cemetery.